Molly Drake, Mother of Nick Drake, Has An Album Out

The brilliance of Nick Drake's crushing, quiet poeticism was certainly unique and undeniably classic. It was a signature sound, though, that finds its roots in the musical works of his mother, Molly (née Mary Lloyd). Boutique label Squirrel Thing Recordings released Molly Drake a few months back in March of this year, collecting 19 originals recorded in the 1950's at the Drake home by father Rodney. These never-before-heard recordings were beautifully restored by Nick Drake’s engineer John Wood, bringing forth a vivid sound that makes the Drake family's musical legacy feel all the more significant and relevant in today's musical landscape. Songs like "I Remember" and "Poor Mum" (below) demonstrate the source of Nick's vulnerable-yet-commanding voice, as Mrs. Drake sings over a bed of bright, lovely piano playing.

You'll be hard-pressed to find anything that sounds as charming and effortlessly exquisite as Molly Drake this year.



Molly Drake is now available on Squirrel Thing Recordings. Pick it up here.

WATCH: A Full Beastie Boys Concert In Glasgow From 1999

As we all know by now, Adam "MCA" Yauch of the Beastie Boys passed away yesterday at the age of 47. I'm working on a piece for next week, but I wanted to share this video that features the group's entire set from a 1999 concert in Glasgow. Enjoy.

R.I.P. MCA.

BRAID WEEK: Watch A Selection of Live Footage

Continuing on with "Braid Week," today we have some great live footage of the band from back in the '90s. If you're like me and never had the chance to see the band live (back in the day), then you'll be grateful for these pretty good quality videos -- and you'll thank the Indie Rock gods for YouTube. Of course, if you live in or near Illinois, then you have a chance to catch the band live on August 27th at The Metro in Chicago and/or on September 24th at the Highdive in Champaign as a part of the Pygmalion Music Festival. For the rest of us spread around the globe, let's enjoy these videos below, and hope that maybe they'll play some out of state shows down the road.

VIDEO: Honoring Ari Up's Wish, Unreleased Slits Video Released Posthumously

I'm not going to pretend that I know a lot about British punk legends The Slits. In fact, I don't know much of anything about them. There are so many great bands that have formed over the years, many of which I have not had the pleasure of hearing. The Slits are one of those bands. They are one of those bands that I have always heard about, one that holds the distinction of being both innovative and legendary. Their influence is, undoubtedly, widespread, not just across generations, but across genres, as well.

The band's one of kind, charismatic frontwoman, singer Ari Up, passed away yesterday at the age of 48 following a long battle with an undisclosed illness. Up, born Ariane Forester in Germany, had a style all her own, and, with her bandmates, created an entirely new sound that would come to stand the test of time. By taking punk and fusing it with elements of post-punk and reggae, The Slits made a name for themselves with their seminal debut album Cut.

Up and The Slits made a video for the reggae-indebted "Lazy Slam" from the band's most recent album, 2009's Trapped Animal. The video is said to be Up's final work (and, more than likely the Slits' final work). She wanted the video to be seen, but requested that it not be released until after her death. View the previously unreleased video below, featuring Chloë Sevigny.

The Slits - "Lazy Slam"

What I Like About The Romantics: "Talking In Your Sleep"

Most people are probably familiar with Detroit power pop/new wave band The Romantics through their hit "What I Like About You." Maybe you had no idea that was The Romantics. Maybe you thought "The Romantics" was just a movie starring everyone and their mother. Whatever the case may be, the band wasn't just a one hit wonder. Sure, "What I Like About You" is some pop rock perfection and all, but I recently came across another great single they had back in 1983 called "Talking In Your Sleep."

Following basic television's transition from an analog transmission to a digital transmission, we non-cable folks were more than overjoyed to receive a few extra channels in addition to the eight or so channels we already had. One of these extra channels is "TheCoolTV" where music videos from all different eras are played 24/7 (what MTV used to be, I suppose). Anyways, so there I was a few evenings ago chowing down when I flipped on the channel and "Talking In Your Sleep" was playing. I tuned in just after the video had started, but managed to use my detective skills (thank God for bass drum covers) to find out what band I was watching.

Behold, The Deluxe Edition of Weezer's Pinkerton

Pinkerton, often considered Weezer's "indie" album, was initially lumped into the category of "sophomore slump," considered by some as a disappointment on the heels of the Weezer's seminal debut album. While Pinkerton had its admirers, it wasn't until years later that it received critical acclaim (Rolling Stone even re-reviewed the album upgrading it from three to five stars). It is now widely considered one of the greatest albums of all-time and a modern rock masterpiece.

Now, 14 years after its initial release, Weezer is releasing a deluxe edition of the album that features 25 bonus tracks, including every official B-side. But what fans can really get excited about is that 16 of these 25 bonus tracks have never been released before, songs such as the newly-discovered gem "Tragic Girl" and the unreleased B-side "I Swear It's True." The deluxe edition also boasts a collection of rare live recordings, like a lunchtime performance won in a contest by Shorecrest High School near Seattle. And if that wasn't enough, there's also a booklet with numerous photos and an essay by the band's close friend/webmaster/historian/roadie/jack-of-all-trades Karl Koch. DGC/UMe will release Pinkerton - Deluxe Edition on November 2nd.

Ah, nostalgia.

See the deluxe edition tracklisting after the jump.

Fela Kuti's "Chop 'N Quench" Batch Reissued

Knitting Factory Records has reissued Fela Kuti's "Chop 'N Quench" albums, all remastered and re-released in digi-packs with the original artwork. The collection marks the earliest period of Kuti's Afrobeat work and features nine albums that span from 1969-1974. It was a pivotal era in Kuti's career as it was during this time that he created a sound that would come to be known as Afrobeat. Kuti's innovative style mixed funk, jazz, salsa, and calypso, with juju, highlife, and African percussive patterns. These early years also saw Kuti beginning to developed his political voice, as well, which later became an important theme in his music.

BUY: You can purchase all of the reissues right here.

Check out/download a cut from Fela Kuti's 1975 LP, Expensive Shit, below (technically the entire Side-A of the album).

You can also stream some songs from the reissues below:

It's Official: John Frusciante Quit Red Hot Chili Peppers

A few days ago, I tweeted a story that stated John Frusciante had apparently left Red Hot Chili Peppers. Yesterday, Frusciante posted an official statement on his website stating that he quit the band over a year ago. Read the full statement below direct from his website.

When I quit the band, over a year ago, we were on an indefinite hiatus. There was no drama or anger involved, and the other guys were very understanding. They are supportive of my doing whatever makes me happy and that goes both ways.

To put it simply, my musical interests have led me in a different direction. Upon rejoining, and throughout my time in the band, I was very excited about exploring the musical possibilities inherent in a rock band, and doing so with those people in particular. A couple of years ago, I began to feel that same excitement again, but this time it was about making a different kind of music, alone, and being my own engineer.

I really love the band and what we did. I understand and value that my work with them means a lot to many people, but I have to follow my interests. For me, art has never been something done out of a sense of duty. It is something I do because it is really fun, exciting, and interesting. Over the last 12 years, I have changed, as a person and artist, to such a degree that to do further work along the lines I did with the band would be to go against my own nature. There was no choice involved in this decision. I simply have to be what I am, and have to do what I must do.

Sending love and gratitude to you all.

Jawbox Announce Reissue of "For Your Own Special Sweetheart"

Iconic post-punk band Jawbox are set to reissue their 1994 classic For Your Own Special Sweetheart November 24th on CD and vinyl. Although the album was released on Atlantic Records and marked the band's first release after leaving Dischord Records, the reissue is being handled by Dischord and the band's own DeSoto Records. Thanks to Dischord and engineer Bob Weston (Pixies, Jawbox, and a member of Shellac), For Your Own Special Sweetheart album has been meticulously remastered. Bassist Kim Coletta says, "It just sounds a whole lot better."

The re-release will also contain the three songs that appeared on the Savory +3 EP that Atlantic put out in 1994. Purchase of the vinyl version comes with a coupon redeemable for a free download of the remastered album and three bonus songs.

Track Listing:
1. FF=66
2. Savory
3. Breathe
4. Motorist
5. LS/MFT
6. Cooling Card
7. Green Glass
8. Cruel Swing
9. Jackpot Plus!
10. Chicago Piano
11. Reel
12. U-Trau
13. Whitney Walks
14. L'il Shaver*
15. 68*
16. Sound On Sound*

(* = tracks not on original release)

R.I.P. Les Paul (1915-2009)

Les Paul (born Lester William Polfuss) is the epitome of a legend. The guitar he designed ended up becoming one of the most recognizable and widely used instruments in the rock genre -- and even outside of that. The Les Paul guitar is responsible for laying down some of the greatest and most remembered music of all time ("Stairway to Heaven"...anything by Led Zeppelin, anyone?). Furthermore, he was an innovator for pioneering the practice of multitrack recording and was a key figure in progressing the rock 'n' roll genre, in both its rise and development.

It was in 1952 that Gibson Guitars began production on the popular Les Paul guitar model. The production was a result of Paul's creation of a guitar referred to as "The Log" which was crafted out of a 4" x 4", a bridge, a single pickup, and guitar neck. It was his response to a growing frustration with the guitars being produced during the 1930s. "The Log" revolutionized the electric guitar world and, in turn, made a deep impact on the music industry.

Paul passed away today at the age of 94 due to complications from pneumonia. He is a man who will never be forgotten. His legacy will live on in every note that gets plucked or strummed on that iconic Les Paul guitar.

R.I.P. Michael Jackson (1958-2009)

Earlier today, Michael Jackson was rushed to an LA hospital after going into cardiac arrest. According to TMZ, Jackson was apparently dead when paramedics arrived, but he was taken to the hospital where efforts to revive him proved to be unsuccessful. A little over an hour ago, it was officially announced that the King of Pop had died from a heart attack. He was 50.

Jackson was scheduled to perform a 50-date residency at the 02 Arena in London beginning next month that would have carried over into early 2010. The shows would have been his first major public performances since 1997.

R.I.P. Michael Joseph Jackson -- a true legend and innovator.

Watch: Michael Jackson - "Thriller" (no embedding for any "Thriller" video on YouTube).

Sunny Day Real Estate Announce Reunion Tour Dates

Pioneering rock band Sunny Day Real Estate is back, hitting the road this September and October with the original lineup (frontman/singer/guitarist Jeremy Enigk, guitarist Dan Hoerner, bassist Nate Mendel, drummer William Goldsmith). The tour marks the end of a nearly 10 year hiatus and the first time the original lineup has performed together since 1998.

The band reconvened in March for rehearsals, but only today officially announced any plans to tour. This announcement follows months of speculation about the possibility of a reunion tour with the original lineup.

The last time any of the members played together was in 2001 when original members Jeremy Enigk, Nate Mendel, and William Goldsmith formed The Fire Theft. In 2003, that band released their self-titled debut which has been their only release aside from 2004's Hands On You EP.

Sunny Day Real Estate's first two LPs Diary and LP2 will be reissued with previously unreleased material on September 15th, 2009 through their old label Sub Pop.

Sunny Day Real Estate Tour Dates:
Sept. 17: Vancouver (Commodore Ballroom)
Sept. 18: Portland, Ore. (Crystal Ballroom)
Sept. 20: Salt Lake City (Murray Theatre)
Sept. 21: Denver (Ogden Theatre)
Sept. 23: Minneapolis (First Avenue)
Sept. 24: Chicago (Metro)
Sept. 25: Detroit (St. Andrews Hall)
Sept. 27: New York (Terminal 5)
Sept. 28: Boston (House of Blues)
Sept. 30: Washington, D.C. (9:30 Club)
Oct. 1: Philadelphia (Trocadero)
Oct. 3: Atlanta (CW Center Stage)
Oct. 5: Dallas (Granada Theatre)
Oct. 6: Houston (Warehouse Live)
Oct. 7: Austin (La Zona Rosa)
Oct. 9: Tempe, Ariz. (Marquee)
Oct. 10: Anaheim, Calif. (House of Blues)
Oct. 11: Los Angeles (Fonda Theatre)
Oct. 13: San Francisco (Fillmore)
Oct. 15: Spokane, Wash. (Knitting Factory)
Oct. 16: Seattle (Paramount Theatre)

Sunny Day Real Estate (new website)
Sunny Day Real Estate Twitter

The Jam: That Band I Just Happened To Miss + Curtis Mayfield Cover

The Jam is a band I've always heard of, but never actually heard. As I've gradually sunk deeper into the world of music and its history, I've come across a lot of bands/artists and albums that I am unfamiliar with. I recall being in the Times Square Virgin Megastore about two years ago, racking my brain for what I should purchase. The Jam came to mind and I stumbled upon an essentials collection. I ended up passing on it in favor of Waterloo to Anywhere by Dirty Pretty Things and a 2-CD best of set from The Kinks.

It wasn't until a number of weeks ago that I decided to check into The Jam. I was always under the impression that they were pretty much a straight up rock 'n' roll band with some of that punk attitude. I was aware that they were a part of the mod movement back in the late '70s/early '80s, but aside from that I didn't know too much about them. For me, any group -- especially a trio -- from London that consists of guitar, bass, and drums and plays with distortion has to have a bit of that rock 'n' roll soul. I'm also a bit of an anglophile and believe that most groups that originated out of London from that time are probably worth a listen. The roots of rock might have been in the blues of the American south, but I believe that rock as we have come to know it is a product of the British Invasion of the '60s.

What suddenly increased my interest in a band I had overlooked for so long? Curtis Mayfield. I wasn't too far off with my assumption as to the sound of The Jam, but I had no idea they would tackle classic rhythm and blues songs (e.g. James Brown's "I Got You (I Feel Good)" and The Chi-Lites' "Stoned Out of My Mind"). Now, generally, any time I've heard a rock band -- from any of rock's subgenres -- try to cover a classic rhythm and blues/soul song, it usually doesn't end well, especially as they aren't exactly the kind of songs you can improve upon. Well, The Jam are an exception to the rule. One of my favorite blogs, Aquarium Drunkard, posted a live video of the band's take on the classic Curtis Mayfield track "Move On Up." So good. It's refreshing -- not that it needed to be -- and so killer. Check it out.

The Jam - "Move On Up"


Last week, I picked up some Jam finally. It was a used collection of B-sides and rarities entitled Extras. Honestly, I had no idea what the songs would sound like and purchased it entirely on the fact that included on the disc was a studio version of this Mayfield cover. The cover alone, for me, was worth the $7.99 I paid.

The Osmonds Were A Rock 'N' Roll Band, Too

I was always under the impression that The Osmonds was a family band, priding itself on its wholesome pop music. They are a Mormon family that I always felt was kind of a commercial epitomization of that happy, well-behaved, obedient, religious family. Rock 'n' roll was always deemed the "devil's music" and not something a religious person would get involved in.

Anyways, I imagine a scenario something like this:

MOM: "Honey, I don't want you near any of that devil's music -- none of that Black Sabbath or Rolling Stones nonsense. It's pure evil. It'll ruin your life...make you want to do bad things...skip class and smoke doobies. You don't want to spend your life in prison, do you?

KID: "No, mother, but..."

MOM: "Hush up! Now The Osmonds are a great wholesome group. They're the kind of people you can admire, too. They love their God and they are responsible. Nothing wrong with them!"

The Osmonds - "Crazy Horses"

Like me, I don't think Mom was aware that the Osmonds were also a rock band, as well. Granted, whichever Osmond is singing lead doesn't sound as if he's necessarily suited to be a rock singer -- just a bit too much of a clean, pop tone for this number. I don't know which Osmond is on bass, but he has that rock voice, which comes across best in those "demonic screams." Honestly, this song is quite awesome. The first time I watched the video, I thought, "That song slays." I mean, did you ever think you'd hear this coming from the Osmonds?

Really, though...I totally dig this song. That guitar riff is killer.

(video via the tumblr of Fluxblog's Matthew Perpetua)

Film Fishin': Rap Battle Translated

In this edition of Film Fishin', I present to you a follow up video for my previous post about the origins of rap. This video kind of connects the dots...kind of.

Motown Celebrates 50

Happy Birthday, Motown/Tamla!
50 years ago to the day, Berry Gordy founded Tamla Records (aka Motown). Check out Spinner's photo gallery which includes some of the label's staple artists recalling their favorite moments over the past half century.

Founder Berry Gordy Reflects on 50 Years of Motown



Marvin Gaye - "What's Going On/What's Happening Brother" (Live)

R.I.P. Ron Asheton

Today, Ron Asheton, guitarist and bassist for The Stooges, was found dead in his home. He was 60. His playing influenced so many musicians, across so many genres. A true architect of rock 'n' roll as we hear it today. Rest in peace, Mr. Asheton.

Now, Where Exactly Did Rap Music Come From?

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According to a new theory, rap music originated from Scotland via the art of flyting. I mean, when you think about it...rap battles are essentially a form of verbal jousting.

R.I.P. Steve Foley

Ever since I heard "I Will Dare" by The Replacements, I have been a fan. I'll save any further ranting for another blog post.

I'm typing tonight because Steve Foley passed away last weekend at age 49 from an apparent accidental overdose on prescription medication. Yes, he wasn't an original member, but he was part of The Replacement's history. He helped keep the band going until its demise in 1991.

R.I.P. Steve Foley.

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I'd like to introduce a new feature on the blog called "Film Fishin'" (No word yet on whether I'll be able to live with that name, so maybe it will change...that banner certainly will change though. Feedback is welcome.). Basically, I'll be searching the net for interesting/entertaining videos, posting them, and then doing a write-up on them. The writing may be factual and/or reflective. Although it will be predominantly music-oriented, every now and again there might be a video that has nothing to do with music (e.g. stunts, ridiculous TV bloopers, etc.).
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Band of Gypsys (Jimi Hendrix) - "Machine Gun" (Live)


(it's not the full video, but you certainly get a good amount here)

Around fifth or sixth grade is when my obsession with music and the guitar began. Yeah, I was into music long before then, but it was more of a "Put on 99.1! I really like that station." I listened to the songs on the radio, knew the words (or thought I did) but never knew anything about the bands behind the music.

When I did begin my love affair, my father introduced me to Jimi Hendrix via 1970s Band of Gypsys. Seeing as I had taken up an interest in the guitar, he thought I might enjoy the legendary guitarist. If memory serves me right, I had actually heard of him mentioned in school during music class - the same class where I started my journey with the guitar - but I didn't really know what an amazing performer and artist he was.

This album was my true introduction to Hendrix. From the first few notes of "Who Knows" I was hooked. It became one of my favorite albums and to this day still gives me that same feeling I first felt upon first listen: utter jubilation. You know what I mean. There's one album, or at least one song, that just gets you and you can't do anything but stop and listen. It may be the words, it may be the music, it may be the combination of both, but for whatever reason you can't ignore what you are hearing. For me, it was more so Hendrix's playing than his words, but don't think I was neglecting to catch his message.

There's always debate as to where Jimi Hendrix stands as a guitarist: the best, great, etc. Technically speaking, he might not have been the best guitarist, but the control he exhibited over the instrument is astounding. He showed people that a guitar can give you more than just notes, more than just chords. Hendrix was innovative not just for what he crafted sonically in the studio, but also because of how he showed that the guitar was capable of so much more than what it was built for. He is one of the greatest guitarists of all-time because of this. It wasn't Hendrix and a guitar, it was Hendrix. His playing, his guitar was just an extension of his person.

If you don't own Band of Gypsys, pick it up NOW.

I realize the video is not the best quality, but it's great to have something like this in existence. If you are familiar with the album, it's great to put a visual to the sound.